A Saturday night at Neighbourhood is an evening that every Londoner new
or old must experience. That is to say if you are a lover of house
music it is the place to go for quality music. From the moment you walk
into the club there is a rhythmic pull onto the dance floor. Drinks are
nearly secondary on the priority list.

There is something about the Ian Pooley/Ben Watt combo, the 2 DJ’s who
played this past Saturday for One Starry Night, that sets a veteran
house music lover’s heart soaring.

Coming from Toronto I know the
length of our queues when either of these guys play a gig. Upon
disclosing to my fair friend Marie that I was going to check them out
she replied,

‘OF COURSE I know Ben Watt and Ian Pooley!!! Ian Pooley’s
latin house album was my album of choice for the summer of 2000! His
latin house hit is a classic! And Ben Watt! I saw him awhile back…ah,
Everything But the Girl…and the "and I miss you! like the sands of
mystery" – or something like’

Truly, Ian Pooley is known for many a hit and with the release of his
newest album, ‘Souvenirs’ it is clear that he’s not slowing down on his
success. The gig at Neighbourhood is one of many dates for his present
tour promoting the album featuring the single ‘Heaven’.

Ben Watt is one
busy guy in the industry. A writer, producer, and founder of Buzzin Fly
Records there is definitely enough to keep this guy active. Sometimes
known as Watt, or Lazy Dog he is a long time favourite. Reading through
the buzz-in-fly website I discovered that Ben co-owns Neighbourhood and
Cherry Jam located on Porchester Road near Royal Oak Tube.

Each night there is an equally talented DJ combo at either venue which
puts most other clubs to shame.

A recommendation would be to go early. Although this isn’t a very
fashionable manuver it does sometimes allow you free or discounted
entry before 10pm and the drinks are slightly cheaper until that time.
However, for a few quid to enter (prices depend on the night and range
anywhere from £5-£20) and a 50p difference in drinks it’s neither here
nor there. Another pointer is reserving a booth and ordering a few
pitchers of Neighbourhood’s amazing cocktails. There’s something about
a soft pink coloured drink called Tuti Fruiti that makes me very happy.
And for those who aren’t a fan of sweet cocktails the norm of Martinis,
beer, and wine is also well stocked. A thought out bar layout is
another positive trait- there is very little waiting in queue for a
drink at any of the bars inside. To add to your pleasure in waiting
many of the staff are quite efficient in bar style and technique.

Anyone who has seen Boogie Nights or any film depicting the pleasure of
the classic night club experience will value the thought that is
involved when designing a club with booths. This one is lined on both
of its 2 levels with booths and there is something old-Hollywood about
it. Very Casablanca in style and atmosphere – well as Casablanca as a
London club can get anyway. Additionally, the second level is designed
as a balcony allowing observers to watch the dance floor. This also
adds to the vibe of a classic club and not the make-shift warehouses so
often feigning the part.

Atmosphere, this club does lack in one respect
and that is atmosphere. A great club to go with friends but mingling
outside of groups is not well practiced. I tried several times to chat
to those standing beside me or in the queue for the toilet – as strange
as it sounds I’ve made many a mate in such lines, but this is not the
case at this particular spot. When I asked people what they thought of
the club they stared blankly at me – you might think this was due to
drink or the other but they turned and held conversations with others
so either my Dior perfume wasn’t working or their just not friendly. My
vote is for the second option (come on, Pure Poison is delightful). It
is not as though this is a reason not to go but as a newcomer it is
important to note that this is not a club to enter alone.

To me the
reason to go to Neighbourhood is for the music first and a well designed
club second. Always on the search for quality members of the DJ
community to play gigs (such as the ‘New York house legend’ Frankie
Knuckles, or hosting the house music awards) no matter what the cost
you are getting value at Neighbourhood.

This leads me to the actual
neighbourhood of Neighbourhood. Based near Ladbroke Grove Tube it is
the Kensington/Chelsea area that gives it its charm. The infamous
Portobello Road is close by and provides an eclectic feel to the
location. As the slightly less ‘yuppified’ part of the area there is a
sense of history as you make your way to the club from the tube or
buses. The present state of Notting Hill is an extreme tilt in
lifestyle from one corner to the next. What was once a haven for
artists and new-Londoners is now either posh or dosh. However, within
this context remains the knowledge that good finds are still close by
and attainable to those willing to search them out.

Attitude aside this
is a remarkable area of the city and Neighbourhood is a fantastic gem
in the grand heap of venues located close to the London centre.

Neighbourhood
12 Acklam Road W10 5QZ
Tel: 020 7524 7979
Tube: Ladbroke Grove